Territory: A Devotional On Self-Control

Self-control… Why do we need it? What purpose does honoring it serve in our lives? I remember being a young girl, back when children of all ages could be found playing outside for hours at a time. There was this long porch, we had that stretched from one end of our home to the other. My mother, would instruct us when we were tiny - “…you may play outside, but don’t leave the porch.” And she would go back in the house; I’m sure peeking out of the window from time to time checking on us.

Growing older, she would give us new instructions, “Okay… you can move from the porch and play in the yard.” Then as time went on and trust was built, she would allow us to move from the yard to the street directly in front of our home; and as we grew into preteens, a bit more mature, it became, “…just make sure that you are home before the street lights come on and check in, periodically.” Who else remembers those days? And, yes there were moments when I would stray outside of those set boundaries, and man were there some consequences that followed!

God’s desire for us looks identical to how I was raised as it relates to Him providing authority, territory and boundaries to us as children of God. When we are in Christ our identity is found in Him and the purpose that has been given and discovered within our walk will require guidance, faithfulness and discipline in order for it to be completed in its fullness.

Like my mother, ensuring that her children were protected, in that same way, as the Shepherd, God wants to protect and led us in our journey. He wants to be involved in every intricate detail of our life including our relationships involving family, friends, community; finances, and health (food and fitness). As our trust in the Lord and as our faith is strengthened we will become more and more aware that this set standard is for our good and peace of mind.

The Holy Spirit will empower and strengthen us to remain within the boundaries that He has set for us. We can ask the Holy Spirit, what does my territory look like? And, Counselor help me to be a good steward of all that you have given me to tend.

Let’s live this thing!

With love,

Chalssie

Proverbs 16:32

Romans 12:1:2

Philippians 4:8-9

Titus 1:8